This study investigates the key factors controlling marine shale gas preservation in Devonian–Carboniferous strata, focusing on four representative synclines in the Nanpanjiang Basin and the northern margin of the Guizhong Depression: Langdai, Xinzhai, West Yizhou, and North Yizhou. Through tectonic characterization and balanced cross-section restoration, we clarify the effects of structural style, tectonic deformation intensity, and fault properties on shale gas preservation. Wide-gentle bidirectional thrust synclines (Xinzhai and West Yizhou) offer the most favorable preservation conditions, followed by the wide-gentle unidirectional thrust syncline (Langdai); the wide-gentle nappe-type... More >